Memorial Park students jazz it up

Memorial Park Middle School students will work with several musicians the week of April 21 as part of the school's annual preparation for Jazz on the Boulevard.
Flutist Ali Ryerson and piano player Steve Rudolph will work with each of the school's jazz groups during the week. Ms. Ryerson has performed all over the world with well-known musicians, including Luciano Pavarotti, and has been honored by Downbeat Magazine for several years for her excellence in jazz. Mr. Rudolph is a Yamaha Performing Artist and has brought New York jazz artists to play with him in Harrisburg, Penn.
Local jazz pianist Dave Latchaw, drum specialist and performer Todd Harrold, trombonist Marcus Farr and bassist Ben Beutel will also give lessons during the week.
The lessons will prepare the student for Jazz on the Boulevard, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday, April 25, at Prime Time Center, 3701 S. Calhoun St. During the three-hour concert, eight student groups, as well as Ali Ryerson and Steve Rudolph, will perform. Todd Harrold and Ben Beutel will make up the rhythm section for the guest artists at the evening performance.
Jazz on the Boulevard is free to attend, but donations will be accepted.

With nearly 30,000 students, Fort Wayne Community Schools is one of the largest school districts in Indiana. FWCS proudly allows families to choose any of its 50 schools through its successful school-choice program creating diversity in each school, including some with more than 75 languages spoken. FWCS offers seven magnet schools focusing on areas such as science and math, communication, fine arts or Montessori at the elementary and middle school level. In high school, students can choose from the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, Project Lead the Way or New Tech Academy as well as other rigorous academic and specialty training programs.